November retail sales were up 5 percent over November 2015 and 0.1 percent higher than an already-strong October, according the National Retail Federation. Online and other non-store sales grew 15.3 percent year over year, reflecting the growth of online shopping. There were monthly increases across the majority of sectors with the exception of sporting goods.The numbers exclude automobiles, gasoline stations and restaurants.

November’s results indicate that retail sales for the holiday season will meet or exceed NRF’s holiday sales forecast, which anticipates an increase of 3.6 percent over last year’s level for November and December